Centennial Cooling Tower Project
Cooling Tower Project - Update
Updated - 4.2.26
Work continues to move forward at the Community Recreation Center with visible progress throughout the building. The main foyer and registration desk area have been fully demolished in preparation for a redesigned and more functional entrance, and this space is now awaiting reconstruction and installation. On the second floor and within the business office suite, new carpeting and baseboards have been installed, along with newly installed and waxed tile flooring throughout the second floor. In addition, rooms in these areas are actively being reconstructed and prepared to accommodate the full return of scheduled programming.
CONSTRUCTION UPDATE – March 26, 2026
CRC Restoration Project: Final Phase Update
The District is beginning the final phases of the CRC Restoration Project, with carpeting and baseboard work starting Monday, March 30.
Phase 1: Western Hallway Closure (Click Here for Map)
Phase 1 will begin on March 30 and will include the closure of the western hallway, spanning from the vending machine lobby to the ECC double doors.
- No public access will be permitted through this hallway during this phase.
- Patrons attending Gymnastics programs will be required to use the designated entrance located in the North Corridor. (Entrance 8 on the map)
- Access between the Gymnastics area and other sections of the CRC will be routed through the main courtyard. (Entrance 9 on the map)
The remaining work will be completed in three additional phases (Gymnastics Lobby, North Hallway, North Entryway). Each phase will begin immediately following the completion of the previous phase. Updates will be shared with the community as dates and timing become clearer.
Each phase will require temporary closures and adjusted access routes within portions of the facility. Staff will be on-site to help direct patrons and ensure continued access to programs whenever possible.
We appreciate the community’s patience as we complete these final improvements to the CRC.
To learn the latest information on our project timeline, visit our BLOG.
About the Project
Project Overview
The Centennial Recreation Complex Cooling Tower Replacement Project is a major capital improvement initiative focused on preserving critical infrastructure, improving operational reliability, and supporting the long-term future of Centennial Ice Arenas.
The project includes replacing and relocating the facility’s cooling tower from the roof to a new ground-level location, constructing a sound barrier wall to reduce noise concerns, completing necessary utility upgrades, and preparing the facility for future structural and roof improvements. The cooling tower is a critical component of the refrigeration system that supports both Centennial ice rinks.
Funded through the Wilmette Park District’s Capital Improvement Program and supported by a $250,000 State of Illinois grant, the project represents a significant investment in one of the District’s most heavily used recreational facilities.
Background & Reasoning
In 2023, the Wilmette Park District commissioned a structural survey of the Centennial Ice Arenas roof system and metal decking. The survey identified significant deterioration of roof components and structural elements surrounding the existing cooling tower location.
The existing cooling tower was installed approximately thirteen years ago and is located on the facility roof, surrounded by a five-foot parapet wall. Because the cooling tower extends only a few feet above the parapet, airflow to the equipment is restricted. Over time, this condition has reduced operating efficiency and contributed to premature wear on the cooling tower system.
As engineers and facility staff evaluated long-term solutions, it became clear that simply replacing the cooling tower in its current location would not address the underlying structural concerns or airflow limitations. Relocating the cooling tower to grade level emerged as the preferred solution because it:
- Allows critical roof and structural repairs to move forward.
- Improves airflow and operational efficiency.
- Provides easier maintenance access.
- Reduces long-term facility risk.
- Supports future infrastructure improvements.
The project was subsequently incorporated into the District’s Capital Improvement Program and advanced through design, engineering, acoustical review, and public funding efforts.
Planning Goal and Intended Outcomes
The Cooling Tower Replacement Project is designed to achieve several long-term objectives:
Preserve Centennial’s Infrastructure
Address structural concerns identified through facility assessments and create conditions for future roof restoration work.
Improve Equipment Performance
Replace and relocate the cooling tower to an area with improved airflow and operating conditions, extending the useful life of the system.
Enhance Reliability
Provide modernized infrastructure that supports dependable operation of both Centennial ice rinks and related building systems.
Improve Serviceability
Move critical equipment from a rooftop location to ground level, improving access for maintenance and reducing future repair costs.
Minimize Community Impacts
Incorporate acoustical design features and sound attenuation measures that meet Village and state noise requirements while maintaining compatibility with surrounding residential neighborhoods. Acoustic studies determined that a full sound barrier wall would be required as part of the relocation project.
Funding
The Cooling Tower Replacement Project is funded through the Wilmette Park District’s 2026 and 2027 Capital Improvement Program.
In addition, the District secured a $250,000 Build Illinois Bond Fund grant through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) to support cooling tower and infrastructure improvements at Centennial Recreation Complex. The grant was sponsored through legislation introduced by Representative Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz.
Documents and Presentations
No Current Documents at this Time.
Project Timeline
Download PDF 
Save This Page as a PDF